UK planning to curb EU immigrant workers post-Brexit

The UK is planning to curb the inflow of EU immigrant workers post-Brexit that dashes hope that the UK will continue its reliance on them to cater to skill shortages in its workforce. This has been revealed through the documents that have been leaked to the print media in the UK. It reveals that tough visa regime is being proposed for EU immigrant workers post-Brexit. The restrictions for EU immigrant workers could be in fact on par with non-EU immigrants in some cases.

The Home Office draft document that is highly sensitive dated August 2017 was leaked to the Guardian. It offers details of the approach of the UK for its EU negotiating nations even as it aims to deliver on resuming controls of borders.

The document elaborates that EU exit has given an opportunity to the UK to curb immigration from EU as well as non-EU nations. The options could include require EU citizens to obtain permission for jobs and requiring firms to make efforts to first hire locally. The document also highlights restricting permit for low skilled workers to remain in the UK for 2 years and curbing family immigration.

Though the document is just a draft, it has already divided the UK Cabinet and business groups. Other stakeholders have also meanwhile raised concerns over curbing EU immigrant workers post-Brexit.

Institute of Directors said that the UK is in need of an immigration regime that while offering control also provides access to firms to hire overseas workers required at all levels. Sadiq Khan the Mayor of London cautioned that the document appears to be a blueprint to damage the economy of London. This will be devastating not just for the city but the UK as a nation, added Mr. Khan, as quoted by The Hindu.